The job market is more competitive than ever. To stay in a strong position to compete for your dream job, you have to be marketable. Making yourself a more marketable applicant in 2023 means making yourself so valuable that your current employer wants to keep you, and prospective employers will do anything to get you.
If you’re in the market for a new job in the new year, you must commit to being more marketable. This means expanding your skills and your knowledge to stay current and competitive. Not sure where to start? Use these tips to start improving your marketability.
1. Enrich Your Knowledge
Commit to learning and improving continually. Even if the knowledge isn’t relevant in your current job, you need to be up to date on all the latest developments in your industry. You can gain new knowledge and skills through online courses and seminars, distance learning, continuing education (CE) courses in-house, and even by reading industry publications.
2. Upgrade Your Skills
The first measure of marketability is your skillset. Keep your skills current and relevant by attending workshops, pursuing certificates and CE credits, and attending informational and training conferences and events. Review your skillset and look for gaps that need addressing. Developing your technical and soft skills will help you diversify and advance in your career.
3. Expand Your Network
Your network of professional contacts is among the most useful job search tools you have. Join professional associations or organizations to establish more connections and build on your current ones. Attend events and conferences to interact with your peers. Participate in online discussions and online groups related to your profession and stay up to date on the latest news and developments.
Networking is also the ideal way to connect with professionals in your field that could provide guidance and mentorship along the way.
4. Build Your Personal Brand
When you market yourself to prospective employers, you are essentially selling yourself. You must build a strong, consistent personal brand to present to future employers. Update your resume with your current and relevant skills and training. Update your resume on LinkedIn and any professional sites as well. Have a professional headshot taken for your profiles.
Depending on your industry, having a portfolio of your best work available for review is essential. It’s an easy way to show future employers the quality of your work and the value you place on it. Attach your portfolio to your professional sites as well so future employers see what you can do.
Conclusion
Improving your marketability in the new year takes commitment and effort. You must build a solid brand for yourself, learn and acquire new skills, and expand your network. The fruits of that effort, however, are well worth it and increase your chances of landing your dream job.